Your Soul’s Purpose

Find your peaceful place…

 

We all have a divine purpose deep within our souls yearning to be expressed. Some of us ignore it and create distractions to take us off course, some of us deny it, and some of us passionately embrace it, allowing our lives to flourish and flow with what we know to be our truth. We are all born with this innate knowledge of our personal purpose. The challenge is to stay in tune with your soul as the years and life experiences pile on.

It’s not unusual for me to ask a client what their life’s purpose is and they simply answer, “I don’t know”. What I suggest to them is that they do know, they need only sit long enough with themselves to feel what resonates within their life path. It often takes some silent soul-searching, mixed with meditation, before they see the light. And when the light hits, all chapters of that person’s life miraculously fit together like an artful masterpiece.

I’ve always known that my calling is in the field of mental/emotional health, but what I’ve come to realize lately bears a deeper meaning beneath it all. At times in my life when I felt I was taken off course I was actually experiencing the pain I needed to feel in order to help others heal. In hindsight, every painful choice was an act of courage so that I may fulfill my purpose here on earth. I am grateful for every challenging experience in my life for it has brought me full circle to joy, reminding me that I never fell off track, I simply rode among the mountains to become stronger. And in this strength, I continue to fulfill my divine purpose.

In the big picture, we are all here to love and be loved. That is an essential realization as you begin to explore your soul’s purpose. First and foremost, loving who you are, regardless of chirpings from the outside world of naysayers, will illuminate the path to your truth. Once that is clear in your mind and heart, you can then begin to explore your divine purpose. Sit in the quiet, connect to Spirit, and breathe in all that you are and have been. Accept it ALL without judgment and allow your chapters to flow. What is a common denominator for you? How have your experiences brought you to where you are today? What are you grateful for? These are a few questions you can ask yourself as you ponder your purpose. Be mindful of every question, practice patience, and it will come.

You might be wondering, why is there a need to explore any of this at all? All I can tell you is I know when I’m living on purpose, and I know when I’m not. The universe aligns with me and flows smoothly when I’m reaching for my meaning. And when I’m not, the universe lets me know that, too. Deep in your heart and soul you know what is right and true. We all feel happier inside when life flows and our hearts open up to the sky. Even in dark times our spirit sees the light through our difficulties. Our soul knows this truth, and when our minds catch up it is a powerful burst of love energy.

After all, in the big picture, we are all here to love and be loved.

The Miracle of Friendship

Soul Sisters; Kelley, me, Jenn, Lauren, and Marjie.

 

Some friendships last forever. This has proven to be true with a certain group of women I met on the campus of Ithaca College some 35 years ago now. You know it’s a lasting bond when you don’t see someone for 20 years and you pick up like you just saw them yesterday. The same banter, same jokes, same smiles. The same soul connections. Only now there are miles of experiences to share; happy times, sad times, encased with a plethora of bumps and bursts along the road of life.

It’s this road that brought the five of us back together this past summer. Our Jennifer tragically lost her dear husband, Ron, this past February. One day it held the sweetness of Valentine’s Day and the next day he was gone. I attended the beautiful service for Ron, complete with a room full of love and ending with a heartfelt Henry David Thoreau quote. The same quote that is the main quote in my book. A sweet validation that our souls are always connected in this world and beyond.

After the service, Cindy (another soul sister of mine and friend of Jennifer’s) and I walked to the club reserved for all of us to gather. Interesting how a loss makes you notice beauty in the world more. We were commenting how beautifully the trees were lining the lawns of Buffalo’s most prestigious historical homes. Life becomes a bit surreal when we face losing it. I ran into Jenn in the privacy of the coat room, which was good because after not seeing her for 15 years we needed the comfort of a cocoon. She to melt into me, and me to be strong for her. I held her on my lap for a few minutes while she wept. Feeling our sister friendship that never faded. I still remember so clearly Jenn’s words pressing through her tears as we hugged, “I was hoping you’d come.” It was never a question for me.

Soon after, Lauren contacted me suggesting the five of us gather at either her cottage or mine in support of Jenn. I happily offered my place, and after a few emails with Marjie, Kelley, and Lauren, the summer weekend was arranged. I can’t quite describe the joy I felt upon seeing each Holmes Hall girl arrive but with every welcome hug we grew into what we knew. Loving each other.

A few wineries later, we returned to the cottage for more laughs, delectable delights, and reminiscent chatter.  Intermittently holding the sadness between us to allow Jenn her grieving space. Always holding her in the silence interspersed with tears.  We agreed that this must be an ongoing theme in our lives, to reunite every year or two.

Funny how the most tragic of events can breathe rays of sunshine into life. One thing I know for sure, this girlfriend bond that began back in 1979 will never be broken. The magic of love between our connected souls will forever hold the truth of our inexplicable, extraordinary existence. The miracle of friendship.

Me and Jenn enjoying beach time at her place this past summer.